Writer, Daily Life

A Philippines television show featuring a new style of beauty pageant has become an internet sensation.

BuzzFeed reports that a segment on the hit midday program It's Showtime, called “That's My Tomboy” - where lesbian women compete in front of a live audience - sparked a social media storm when it debuted in early October. By the end of the month, the hashtag #thatsmytomboy was trending on Twitter internationally.

“That’s My Tomboy” follows a similar template to mainstream beauty pageants - just with less tottering, more swaggering. Each contestant introduces themselves and performs a talent, followed by a question and answer segment. Screaming fans and family members holding handmade placards cheer on their favourite ‘tomboy’ from the audience, while a panel of judges nod solemnly from the sidelines.

LGBT advocates have praised the show for finding an innovative and entertaining way to educate audiences about lesbian culture. Charice, the Filipino singing sensation who came out in May to much fanfare, is a big fan of the segment and contestants often reference her as source of inspiration.

Elle, Bazaar, Vogue, and the many other monthlies fill glossy pages with “menswear inspired” designs. Look no further than Dior’s stunning new ad campaign, where Jennifer Lawrence channels her inner tomboy.